Regionalism, Ethnicity and Left Politics

Contents: Preface. 1. The regional dimensions. 2. Politics of provincialism. 3. Politics of ethnicity. 4. Politics of secular mobilisation. 5. Figments of left politics. Appendices.

"Regionalism and provincialism in politics is not new in India. The problems of linguistic and cultural identity, ethnicity and autonomy demands have led to violent expressions like Dravidaland, Khalistan, Nagalim, Jharkhand, Gorkhaland, Kamtapur, and the like. Far from disrupting the democratic structure, the autonomy movements not only extend the base of democracy, but also develop language, script, improvise symbols of identity, leading to new awareness of community history. In the appendices, clippings on movements and the issues of immigration, influx of Bangladeshis, identity, political murders, starvation deaths, facts and fictions of left politics have been included to make this anthology meaningful both to the liberal, leftist supporters and general readers." (jacket)